Number
Version
Substitute 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. COGGS
Title
Substitute resolution opposing the move of the Department of Health Services’ public assistance offices from the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center at 1220 W. Vliet St. to 2151 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
Analysis
This resolution opposes the State of Wisconsin’s proposal to move the Department of Health Services’ public assistance offices from the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center at 1220 W. Vliet St. to 2151 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
Body
Whereas, The State of Wisconsin has proposed to relocate the Department of Health Services’ public assistance offices from the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center at 1220 W. Vliet St. to 2151 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.; and
Whereas, Relocating the public assistance offices to the Bronzeville area conflicts with the vision for the emerging Bronzeville cultural and commercial district being developed along King Drive, as described in the Milwaukee Northeast Side Comprehensive Plan and the Bronzeville Redevelopment Plan; and
Whereas, The City has invested heavily in redevelopment of the Bronzeville area, including the establishment of the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District, the Bronzeville Target Investment District, the Brooks Targeted Investment Neighborhood and the Historic King Drive Main Street; and
Whereas, The Bronzeville parking study shows a current deficiency of parking in the area, and the addition of Department of Health Services staff and clients will increase disruption to nearby business and residential areas; and
Whereas, Neighborhood groups in the area affected by the relocation, including those from the Halyard Park, Brewers Hill and Harambee neighborhoods, have voiced opposition to the move, and residents that attended a public meeting on September 3, 2009 likewise voiced opposition; and
Whereas, Moreover, Milwaukee County spent $12 million in 2004 to remodel the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center and the vacancy in the building caused by this move could cost the county up to $1.2 million next year unless new tenants can be found for the space; and
Whereas, The existing Vliet St. location has housed welfare and other aid programs for nearly 40 years and Milwaukee residents are familiar with the location and services; and
Whereas, The state’s decision to relocate the public assistance office and issue a 25-year lease for the new site signals that the state’s temporary takeover of county programs will become permanent; and
Whereas, Milwaukee County submitted a lower bid for the office space at the Coggs Center than did the property owners for the King Drive location; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council opposes the State of Wisconsin’s proposal to relocate the Department of Health Services’ public assistance offices from the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center at 1220 W. Vliet St. to 2151 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB09385-2
RTW
9/22/09